Telogen
Effluvium
Stress-triggered hair loss that causes sudden, diffuse shedding. In most cases temporary — but understanding whether it has become chronic is essential to getting the right treatment.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen Effluvium occurs when sudden or severe stress causes hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter the resting (telogen) phase. Affected hairs remain in this phase for about three months before shedding — meaning the person may have already recovered from the stressor before hair loss begins.
Who does it affect?
Telogen Effluvium affects more women than men, largely due to triggering events such as childbirth. Common precipitating factors include:
- Childbirth or pregnancy termination
- Starting or stopping birth control pills
- Severe emotional stress
- Dieting or nutritional deficiency
- Drug therapy or medications
Medications that can trigger hair loss
Some drugs cause hair loss as a side effect, including blood thinners (Heparin, Coumarin), cholesterol medications (Clofibrate, Gemfibrozil), and Allopurinol. If you suspect your medication is contributing to hair loss, discuss this with your doctor.
Medical conditions causing ongoing hair loss
- Thyroid gland malfunction
- Diabetes
- Anaemia
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Temporary vs Chronic
Short-term Telogen Effluvium typically resolves on its own within six months. If hair loss continues beyond this point, it becomes Chronic Telogen Effluvium — which requires active treatment to address the underlying cause. A specialist assessment is the only reliable way to determine which you have.
Can it be treated?
Short-term Telogen Effluvium usually resolves without treatment. Chronic Telogen Effluvium can be successfully treated in most cases when the underlying cause is identified and addressed alongside targeted hair loss treatment.